Shoe

ABSTRACT

A shoe includes: a sole; an upper disposed above the sole and including a wearing opening; a first band including a first base end fixed to a boundary part between the upper and the sole, at a position in front of the wearing opening, the first band extending diagonally upward from the first base end to a position in the rear of the wearing opening of the upper; a second band including a second base end fixed to the boundary part, the second band extending frontward from the second base end to a position in front of the wearing opening, the second band bringing the first band into contact with the upper, at a portion where the second band intersects the first band; and a tightening part applying tightening force to the second band to tighten the upper.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a shoe.

BACKGROUND ART

Footgear provided with a tightening material capable of tightening theupper is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes footgearprovided with a belt-shaped tightening material for tightening theupper. On the sole of this footgear, grooves or through holes are formedto extend in a width direction. The belt-shaped tightening material iswound along the through holes or the like and side surfaces of a footand is folded back from a diagonally upward direction to a diagonallydownward direction at the instep to form engagement parts. Theengagement parts are tightened by a shoelace. Attaching the tighteningmaterial in this way presses the top surface of the sole onto the bottomof the foot.

PRIOR ART REFERENCE Patent Literature

-   Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application    Publication No. H08-131201-   Patent Literature 2: Japanese Examined Utility Model Registration    No. 3038156-   Patent Literature 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application    Publication No. 2017-94125-   Patent Literature 4: Japanese Translation of PCT International    Application Publication No. 2016-507296

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

With regard to the fit of a shoe provided with the tightening materialfor tightening the upper, the inventors have found the followingrecognition. To ensure support when a high load in a width direction isapplied, it is desirable that a change of the foot position with respectto the sole is small under high load. However, in the footgear describedin Patent Literature 1, since the tightening material for tightening theupper is movable within the grooves on the sole, the foot position withrespect to the sole is likely to change under high load as thetightening material moves.

If the tightening material is strongly tightened to reduce the change inthe foot position, the tightening force will become excessively large inan area in front of the wearing opening, which will worsen the comfort.Also, if the tightening force on the front side becomes large, the fitwill be impaired in an area in the rear of the wearing opening, whichwill disrupt the balance between the front side and the rear side.Therefore, the inventors have found that there is room for improvementin the footgear described in Patent Literature 1, in terms of ensuringthe fit when a high load is applied.

The present invention has been made in view of such an issue, and apurpose thereof is to provide a shoe having favorable fit with balancebetween the front side and the rear side.

Solution to Problem

In response to the above issue, a shoe according to one embodiment ofthe present invention includes: a sole; an upper disposed above the soleand including a wearing opening; a first band including a first base endfixed to a boundary part between the upper and the sole, at a positionin front of the wearing opening, the first band extending diagonallyupward from the first base end to a position in the rear of the wearingopening of the upper; a second band including a second base end fixed tothe boundary part, the second band extending frontward from the secondbase end to a position in front of the wearing opening, the second bandbringing the first band into contact with the upper, at a portion wherethe second band intersects the first band; and a tightening partapplying tightening force to the second band to tighten the upper.

Optional combinations of the above, and implementation of the presentinvention, including the constituting elements and expressions, in theform of methods, apparatuses, programs, transitory or non-transitorystorage medium storing programs, or systems may also be practiced asadditional modes of the present invention.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present invention provides a shoe having favorable fit with balancebetween the front side and the rear side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a shoe according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another schematic side view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view that shows a modification of bands in the shoeaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side view that shows another modification of the bands inthe shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view that shows yet another modification of the bandsin the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of thebands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a side view that shows a further modification of the bands inthe shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a schematic side view of a shoe according to a secondembodiment;

FIG. 31 is a schematic side view of a shoe according to a thirdembodiment;

FIG. 32 is a schematic plan view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is another schematic side view of the shoe illustrated in FIG.31; and

FIG. 34 is a schematic rear view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 31.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following, the present invention will be described based onpreferred embodiments with reference to each drawing. In the embodimentsand modifications, like reference characters denote like orcorresponding constituting elements and members, and the repetitivedescription will be omitted as appropriate. Also, the dimensions of amember may be appropriately enlarged or reduced in each drawing in orderto facilitate understanding. Further, in each drawing, part of membersless important in describing embodiments may be omitted.

Also, terms including ordinal numbers, such as “first” and “second”, areused to describe various constituting elements; however, such terms areused in order to distinguish one constituting element from another anddo not limit the constituting elements.

First Embodiment

In the following, a configuration of a shoe 100 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention will be described with reference tothe drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of the shoe 100 accordingto the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the shoe 100 viewed from thelateral side of the foot. Each drawing mentioned below, including FIG.1, illustrates a shoe for a left foot, unless otherwise specified.However, the description in the present specification is also applicableto a shoe for a right foot. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the shoe100. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the shoe 100 viewed from themedial side of the foot.

The shoe 100 of the present embodiment can be used for walking shoes,running shoes, and sports shoes for tennis or basketball, for example.The shoe 100 includes a sole 10, and an upper 20 disposed above the sole10 and having a wearing opening 20 b. The sole 10 is a portion to be incontact with the ground. The sole 10 may be constituted by multiplemembers, such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole, or may beconstituted by a single material. The upper 20 is fixed above the sole10 by means of bonding or the like.

In the following, considering a state where the shoe 100 is placed on ahorizontal plane (hereinafter, referred to as a “horizontal state”), awidth direction of the upper 20 will be simply referred to as a “widthdirection”, a direction extending along a center line La with respect toa width direction of the upper 20 will be referred to as a “longitudinaldirection”, and a vertical direction will be referred to as a “verticaldirection”. A width direction, a longitudinal direction, and a verticaldirection are perpendicular to each other.

Also, the direction from the heel toward the toe side of the upper 20along the centers in a width direction will be referred to as the “frontside” or “front”, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the“rear side” or “rear”. Also, the direction from the lateral side towardthe medial side of the foot along a width direction will be referred toas the “inner side” or “inward”, and the opposite direction will bereferred to as the “outer side” or “outward”. Further, the directionfrom the sole 10 toward the upper 20 along a vertical direction will bereferred to as the “top side” or “above”, and the opposite side will bereferred to as the “lower side” or “below”.

Also, a portion of the upper 20 located on the inner side with respectto the center line La will be referred to as a medial portion 28 j, anda portion of the upper 20 located on the outer side with respect to thecenter line La will be referred to as a lateral portion 28 e. Also,along a longitudinal direction, a portion of the upper 20 correspondingto the metatarsal bones will be referred to as a midfoot portion, aportion of the upper 20 located on the front side with respect to themidfoot portion will be referred to as a forefoot portion, and a portionof the upper 20 located on the rear side with respect to the midfootportion will be referred to as a rearfoot portion. The forefoot portionalmost corresponds to the phalanges, and the rearfoot portion almostcorresponds to the tarsals.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the shoe 100 includes a first band 30, asecond band 40, and a tightening part 60.

First Band

The first band 30 is a band-shaped member that extends rearward from afirst base end 32. The first band 30 may extend linearly, may extendcurvedly to form an upward convex, or may extend curvedly to form adownward convex. The first base end 32 is fixed to a boundary part Bpbetween the upper 20 and the sole 10, at a position in front of thewearing opening 20 b. When multiple first bands 30 are provided, onefirst base end 32 has only to be fixed in this area, and the fixedpositions of the other first base ends 32 are not particularly limited.In this example, when the longitudinal length of the upper 20 isregarded as 100%, the first base end 32 is fixed at a position within arange between 15% and 35% from the toe. The first band 30 extendsrearward from the first base end 32 along the lateral portion 28 e ofthe upper 20 to a first band contact region 24 s in a heel part 24 ofthe upper 20. An extension end 34 of the first band 30 comes intocontact with the first band contact region 24 s. Accordingly, the firstband 30 extends diagonally upward from the first base end 32 to aposition in the rear of the wearing opening 20 b of the upper 20.

In the present embodiment, also on the medial portion 28 j of the upper20, a medial side first band 30 is provided such as to extend from abase end, which is fixed to the boundary part Bp at a position in frontof the wearing opening 20 b, along the medial portion 28 j to the firstband contact region 24 s. In the following description, the first band30 on the lateral portion 28 e may be referred to as a lateral sidefirst band. The extension end 34 of the lateral side first band 30 isconnected with the extension end 34 of the medial side first band 30 inthe first band contact region 24 s. In other words, the first band 30 isa unified band constituted by the lateral side first band 30 and themedial side first band 30 connected with each other. In the presentembodiment, the extension ends 34 and 34 of the lateral side first band30 and the medial side first band 30 are fixed to the first band contactregion 24 s by bonding, sewing, or the like, but the extension ends neednot necessarily be fixed.

Band Contact Region

In the present embodiment, the first band contact region 24 s isprovided above a rearmost part 24 a of the heel part 24. In this case,tension of the first band 30 causes frontward and diagonally downwardforce to act on the heel part 24, and the force may cause deformation ofthe first band contact region 24 s. For smooth putting on and off of theshoe, deformation of the first band contact region 24 s may desirably besmall. Accordingly, in the first band contact region 24 s of the presentembodiment, a reinforcement structure 26, which is more strengthenedthan the surrounding regions, is provided. For example, the first bandcontact region 24 s may be formed of a material thicker than thesurrounding regions, a material having higher rigidity than thesurrounding regions, or a material harder than the surrounding regions,may be formed to have more layers than the surrounding regions, or maybe formed with combination of such configurations.

Second Band

The second band 40 is a band-shaped member that extends from a secondbase end 42 to a position in front of the wearing opening 20 b. In thepresent embodiment, the second base end 42 is fixed to the boundary partBp, at a position in the rear of the first base end 32. When thelongitudinal length of the upper 20 is regarded as 100%, the second baseend 42 is fixed to the boundary part Bp at a position within a rangebetween 35% and 90% from the toe along a longitudinal direction. Thesecond band 40 extends frontward and diagonally upward from the secondbase end 42 along the lateral portion 28 e of the upper 20 to a regionin front of the wearing opening 20 b. Accordingly, a leading end 44 ofthe second band 40 is positioned in front of the wearing opening 20 b.

In the present embodiment, also on the medial portion 28 j of the upper20, a medial side second band 40 is provided such as to extend from thesecond base end 42, fixed to the boundary part Bp, along the medialportion 28 j to a position in front of the wearing opening 20 b. In thefollowing description, the second band 40 on the lateral side may bereferred to as a lateral side second band 40. At each of the leading end44 of the lateral side second band 40 and the leading end 44 of themedial side second band 40, an engagement part 44 b is disposed toengage with the tightening part 60. The engagement parts 44 b on thelateral side and the medial side are spaced away from each other in awidth direction.

The tightening part 60 applies tightening force to the second bands 40to tighten the upper 20. In the present embodiment, the tightening part60 is a shoelace, and each engagement part 44 b is an eyelet throughwhich the tightening part 60 passes. When the tightening part 60 istightened, the tension acts on the engagement parts 44 b on the lateralside and the medial side, in the directions in which the engagementparts 44 b on the lateral side and the engagement parts 44 b on themedial side come closer to each other. At the time, on each of thelateral side second band 40 and the medial side second band 40, tensionfrom the second base end 42 toward the leading end 44 acts. When thetension acts on a second band 40, the second band 40 comes into contactwith the upper 20 and tightens the upper 20 onto the foot.

An intersection part at which a second band 40 intersects a first band30 will be described. In the following, among the intersection partsbetween the first bands 30 and the second bands 40, an intersection partat which a second band 40 intersects a first band 30 by passing througha side of the first band 30 opposite to the upper 20 side, hereinaftermay be referred to as the “surface side”, will be denoted by “thecharacter F+a numeral”; meanwhile, an intersection part at which asecond band 40 intersects a first band 30 by passing through between thefirst band 30 and the upper 20 will be denoted by “the character R+anumeral”. At an intersection part F where a second band 40 intersects afirst band 30, the second band 40 brings the first band 30 into contactwith the upper 20. An “intersection part F+a numeral” may be genericallyreferred to as an “intersection part F”, and an “intersection part R+anumeral” may be generically referred to as an “intersection part R”.

With such a configuration, the upper 20 can be supported not only by asecond band 40 but also by a first band 30, so that the balance of thefit of the upper 20 between the front side and the rear side can beimproved.

Multiple second bands 40 may be provided. To distinguish each of themultiple second bands 40, a hyphen and a numeral, such as “−1”, is addedat the end of a reference sign. In the present embodiment, two secondbands 40-1 and 40-2 are provided. The second band 40-2 is arrangedsubstantially in parallel to the second band 40-1, at a position in therear of the second band 40-1. The second band 40-1 intersects the firstband 30 at an intersection part F1 with the first band 30. The secondband 40-2 intersects the first band 30 at an intersection part R1 withthe first band 30. The first band 30 passes through the surface side ofthe second band 40-2 at the intersection part R1 and brings the secondband 40-2 into contact with the upper 20.

In this case, the first band and the second bands are pressed onto eachother at multiple positions, thereby making the tightening force to actappropriately. Also, the tightening ranges can be longitudinallydistributed.

In the present embodiment, at the intersection part F1, which isforemost among the multiple intersection parts, the second band 40passes through the surface side of the first band 30, as illustrated inFIG. 1. In this case, the second band 40 can press the first band 30 atthe foremost intersection part F1.

Each of the first bands 30 and the second bands 40 (hereinafter, simplyreferred to as “bands” when generically referred to) may be configuredto include a planar member having a predetermined width and may be abelt-shaped member, for example. Although the width of each band is notparticularly limited, if the width is too small, the band will be liableto break; if the width is too large, designing or manufacture of theband will be difficult. With regard to the band width, the inventorshave obtained the suggestion that the range between 3 mm and 30 mminclusive is practical, the range between 5 mm and 20 mm inclusive issuitable, and the range between 7 mm and 14 mm inclusive is moresuitable. The bands in the present embodiment are belt-shaped membersthat each have a width ranging from 8 mm to 12 mm inclusive. In thiscase, compared to the case of string-shaped bands, the tightening forcecan be distributed, the upper 20 favorably fits along the foot, and thetightening force is less likely to concentrate locally.

Each band may be configured to include a string-shaped or thread-shapedmember (hereinafter may be referred to as “string or thread”), may beconfigured to include multiple string-shaped or thread-shaped members,or may include a portion constituted by multiple yarn bodies spreadingover the surface of the upper 20. A first band 30 and a second band 40may be constituted by members having the same shape or may beconstituted by members having different shapes. One of a first band 30and a second band 40 may include a portion constituted by a planarmember having a predetermined width, and the other thereof may include aportion constituted by a string-shaped or thread-shaped member that isthinner than the predetermined width.

The bands in the present embodiment are formed of a material havingstretchability that makes the bands come into contact with the upper 20when the shoe is worn. In this case, the tightening force can be made toact appropriately. For example, the bands may be formed of a sheetmaterial having lower stretchability and a smaller elastic modulus thanthe upper 20. The bands may be formed of various publicly-knownmaterials. The bands in this example are formed of artificial leather.The description regarding the morphological characteristics of the firstand second bands 30 and 40 also applies to a third band 50 and anauxiliary band 70 described later.

In the present embodiment, the first bands 30 and the second bands 40may assume various forms. In the following, modifications of the bandswill be described with reference to FIGS. 4-30. FIGS. 4-30 are sideviews that show modifications of the bands and that each correspond toFIG. 1.

Modifications of the second bands 40 will be described. The tighteningforce of the bands may desirably be distributed along the surface of theupper 20. Accordingly, in the shoe 100, three or more second bands 40may be provided on at least one of the medial side and the lateral side.FIG. 4 is a side view that shows an example in which three second bands40-1, 40-2, and 40-3 are provided. FIG. 5 is a side view that shows anexample in which four second bands 40-1, 40-2, 40-3, and 40-4 areprovided. FIG. 6 is a side view that shows an example in which fivesecond bands 40-1, 40-2, 40-3, 40-4, and 40-5 are provided.

The second band 40-3 is arranged substantially in parallel to the secondband 40-2, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-2. The secondband 40-4 is arranged substantially in parallel to the second band 40-3,at a position in the rear of the second band 40-3. The second band 40-5is arranged substantially in parallel to the second band 40-4, at aposition in the rear of the second band 40-4.

The second band 40-3 passes through the surface side of the first band30 at an intersection part F2 and brings the first band 30 into contactwith the upper 20. The second band 40-4 passes through the upper 20 sideof the first band 30 at an intersection part R2 and is pressed by thefirst band 30 to be brought into contact with the upper 20 side. Inother words, the first band 30 passes through the surface side of thesecond band 40-4 at the intersection part R2 and brings the second band40-4 into contact with the upper 20. The second band 40-5 passes throughthe surface side of the first band 30 at an intersection part F3 andbrings the first band 30 into contact with the upper 20. Theintersection parts F and the intersection parts R in this example arealternately arranged, although the arrangement is not limited thereto.In this way, many intersection parts are longitudinally provided, sothat the tightening force can be longitudinally distributed.

Other modifications of the second bands 40 will be described. Themultiple second bands 40 may be connected with each other at one or morepositions of the base end side, leading end side, and a midwaytherebetween such as to form an A-letter shape, a V-letter shape, aW-letter shape, an H-letter shape, or an M-letter shape, for example.Also, the multiple second bands 40 may be connected with each other atthe base end side and the leading end side such as to form a zero shape,for example. Further, a second band 40 may be branched into multiplebranch parts at one or more positions of the base end side, leading endside, and a midway therebetween, and such multiple branch parts may beconnected at a position away from the branch point.

FIGS. 7-9 are side views that each show an example in which part of themultiple second bands are connected with each other. The example of FIG.7 includes two second bands 40-1 and 40-2 that are connected with eachother at the leading end side. In this example, the engagement parts 44b of the multiple bands to be engaged with the tightening part 60(shoelace) are collectively provided on the upper end side, and the twosecond bands 40-1 and 40-2 are configured to form an inverted V-lettershape. In this case, the tightening force can be longitudinallydistributed efficiently. More specifically, the tightening force can bedistributed in multiple directions from one point of effort (engagementpart 44 b). The second band 40-1 forms the intersection part F1 at whichthe second band 40-1 passes through the surface side of the first band30, and the second band 40-2 forms the intersection part R1 at which thesecond band 40-2 passes through the upper 20 side of the first band 30.

The example of FIG. 8 includes two second bands 40-1 and 40-2 that areconnected with each other at the base end side. In this example, thesecond base ends 42 of the multiple bands are collectively provided onthe lower end side, and the two second bands 40-1 and 40-2 areconfigured to form a V-letter shape. In this case, the tightening forcecan be concentrated at a portion required to be lifted, such as aplantar arch portion. In other words, the tightening force from multiplepoints of effort (engagement parts 44 b) can be concentrated in onedirection. The second band 40-1 forms the intersection part F1 at whichthe second band 40-1 passes through the surface side of the first band30, and the second band 40-2 forms the intersection part R1 at which thesecond band 40-2 passes through the upper 20 side of the first band 30.

The example of FIG. 9 includes three second bands 40-1, 40-2, and 40-3,and the two second bands 40-1 and 40-2 are connected with each other atthe base end side and the leading end side. In this example, theengagement parts 44 b of multiple bands are collectively provided on theupper end side, and the base ends 42 of the multiple bands arecollectively provided on the lower end side, so as to form a zero shapeor a D-letter shape. In this case, the tightening force can bedistributed in multiple directions from one point of effort and can alsobe concentrated at a portion required to be lifted, such as a plantararch portion. The second band 40-1 forms the intersection part F1 atwhich the second band 40-1 passes through the surface side of the firstband 30, the second band 40-2 forms the intersection part R1 at whichthe second band 40-2 passes through the upper 20 side of the first band30, and the second band 40-3 forms the intersection part F2 at which thesecond band 40-3 passes through the surface side of the first band 30.

Further modifications of the second bands 40 will be described. Each ofthe second bands 40 and modifications thereof described above may bearbitrarily combined with another second band 40 or a modificationthereof. For example, the modifications of the second bands 40 shown inFIGS. 7-9 may be further combined with another second band 40. FIGS.10-14 are side views that each show an example in which, in amodification of the second bands 40, other second bands 40 are disposed.

The example of FIG. 10 includes second bands 40-1 and 40-2 connectedwith each other at the leading end side to form an inverted V-lettershape, and a second band 40-3 of I-letter shape. The second band 40-3extends substantially in parallel to the second band 40-2, at a positionin the rear of the second band 40-2. The second band 40-3 forms theintersection part F2 at which the second band 40-3 passes through thesurface side of the first band 30.

The example of FIG. 11 includes second bands 40-1 and 40-2 that form aninverted V-letter shape, and second bands 40-3 and 40-4 of I-lettershapes. The second band 40-3 extends substantially in parallel to thesecond band 40-2, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-2.Also, the second band 40-4 extends substantially in parallel to thesecond band 40-3, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-3. Thesecond band 40-3 forms the intersection part F2 at which the second band40-3 passes through the surface side of the first band 30. The secondband 40-4 forms the intersection part R2 at which the second band 40-4passes through the upper 20 side of the first band 30.

As shown in the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11, with a combination ofinverted V-shaped second bands and I-shaped second bands, strongerlacing effects can be provided to an appropriate area. For example,arranging an I-shaped second band around the wearing opening 20 b canprovide stronger lacing effects to an area around the ankle.

The example of FIG. 12 includes second bands 40-1 and 40-2 that form aninverted V-letter shape, and second bands 40-3 and 40-4 that formanother inverted V-letter shape. Accordingly, multiple inverted V-shapedsecond bands are included. The second band 40-3 extends substantially inparallel to the second band 40-2, at a position in the rear of thesecond band 40-2. The second band 40-4 extends to be non-parallel to thesecond band 40-3, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-3. Thesecond band 40-3 forms the intersection part F2 at which the second band40-3 passes through the surface side of the first band 30. The secondband 40-4 forms the intersection part R2 at which the second band 40-4passes through the upper 20 side of the first band 30. With multipleinverted V-shaped second bands provided, the tightening force can bedistributed more gradually with respect to a longitudinal direction.

The example of FIG. 13 includes second bands 40-1 and 40-2 connectedwith each other at the leading end side to form an inverted V-lettershape, and a second band 40-3 of I-letter shape. The second band 40-3forms an intersection part P2 at which the second band 40-3 passesthrough the upper 20 side of the second band 40-2. The second band 40-3also forms the intersection part F2 at which the second band 40-3 passesthrough the surface side of the first band 30. The intersection part P2is positioned lower than the intersection part R1 and the intersectionpart F2.

The example of FIG. 14 includes multiple inverted V-shaped second bandsintersecting each other. More specifically, the example includes secondbands 40-1 and 40-2 that form an inverted V-letter shape, and secondbands 40-3 and 40-4 that form another inverted V-letter shape. As is thecase in the example of FIG. 7, the second bands 40-1 and 40-2 and thesecond bands 40-3 and 40-4 intersect the first band 30. The second band40-2 forms the intersection part F2 at which the second band 40-2 passesthrough the surface side of the second band 40-3. The intersection partF2 is positioned lower than the intersection part R1 and theintersection part F1.

As shown in the examples of FIGS. 13 and 14, with multiple second bands40 partially intersecting each other, the tightening force at theoverlapped portions can be strengthened. Particularly, since theinverted V-shaped second band 40-2 on the toe side overlaps the adjacentsecond band 40-3 at the surface side of the second band 40-3, thetightening force can be strengthened in the area.

There will now be described modifications of the first band 30. Multiplefirst bands 30 may be provided. FIGS. 15 and 16 are side views that eachshow an example in which multiple first bands 30 are provided. In theseexamples, the multiple first bands 30 are arranged one above the other.In this case, the tightening force can be vertically distributed. Eachof the examples of FIGS. 15 and 16 includes a second band 40-1, a secondband 40-2 arranged in the rear of the second band 40-1, a first band30-1, and a first band 30-2 arranged below the first band 30-1. Thefirst bands 30-1 and 30-2 are arranged substantially in parallel to eachother, and each first band intersects each second band.

In the example of FIG. 15, the second band 40-1 forms intersection partsF1 and F2 at which the second band 40-1 passes through the surface sideof the first bands 30-1 and 30-2, and the second band 40-2 formsintersection parts R1 and R2 at which the second band 40-2 passesthrough the upper 20 side of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2. Accordingly,one second band passes through only one of the surface side and theupper 20 side of the multiple first bands. In this case, the tighteningforce can be vertically distributed more gradually.

In the example of FIG. 16, the second band 40-1 forms the intersectionpart F1 at which the second band 40-1 passes through the surface side ofthe first band 30-1, and the second band 40-1 also forms theintersection part R1 at which the second band 40-1 passes through theupper 20 side of the first band 30-2. Also, the second band 40-2 formsthe intersection part R2 at which the second band 40-2 passes throughthe upper 20 side of the first band 30-1, and the second band 40-2 alsoforms the intersection part F2 at which the second band 40-2 passesthrough the surface side of the first band 30-2. Accordingly, one secondband passes through the surface side of one first band and the upper 20side of another first band in a staggered manner. In this case, eachfirst band intersects each second band in a staggered manner such thatan intersection part F and an intersection part R are alternatelyarranged in a longitudinal direction and a vertical direction, so thatthe tightening force can be distributed further gradually.

The multiple first bands 30 may be connected with each other at one ormore positions of the base end side, leading end side, and a midwaytherebetween. Also, a first band 30 may be branched into multiple branchparts at one or more positions of the base end side, leading end side,and a midway therebetween, and such multiple branch parts may beconnected at a position away from the branch point. FIGS. 17-19 are sideviews that each show an example in which the multiple first bands 30 areconnected with each other at the base end side, leading end side, or amidway therebetween.

Each of the examples of FIGS. 17-19 includes a second band 40-1, asecond band 40-2 arranged in the rear of the second band 40-1, a firstband 30-1, and a first band 30-2 arranged below the first band 30-1. Inthe examples of FIGS. 17-19, the second band 40-1 forms intersectionparts F1 and F2 at which the second band 40-1 passes through the surfaceside of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2, and the second band 40-2 formsintersection parts R1 and R2 at which the second band 40-2 passesthrough the upper 20 side of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2. Also, in theexamples of FIGS. 17-19, each first band and each second band may bemade to intersect in a staggered manner, as shown in the example of FIG.16.

In the example of FIG. 17, the base ends 32 of the first bands 30-1 and30-2 are fixed to the boundary part Bp to be longitudinally away fromeach other, and the extension ends 34 of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2are connected with each other. In this case, the transmission efficiencyof the tightening force becomes higher toward the rear side, so that theholding properties around the wearing opening 20 b can be improved.

In the example of FIG. 18, the base ends 32 of the first bands 30-1 and30-2 are fixed to the boundary part Bp to be connected with each other,and the extension ends 34 of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2 are arrangedto be vertically away from each other. In this case, the transmissionefficiency of the tightening force becomes higher toward the front side,so that the holding properties around the forefoot portion can beimproved.

In the example of FIG. 19, the base ends 32 of the first bands 30-1 and30-2 are fixed to the boundary part Bp to be connected with each other,and the extension ends 34 of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2 are alsoconnected with each other. In this case, the transmission efficiency ofthe tightening force becomes higher toward the front side and the rearside, so that the holding properties around the wearing opening 20 b andthe forefoot portion can be improved.

Modifications of the band form will now be described. FIGS. 20-27 areside views that show modifications of the band form.

In the example of FIG. 20, the first band 30 is formed into a stringshape. The entire first band 30 need not have the same shape, and partof the band may have a belt shape while another part may have a stringshape or another shape.

In the example of FIG. 21, the first band 30 is formed into a wide beltshape. The width of the first band 30 may be formed to be 1.5 times ortwice the width of a second band or greater. The entire first band 30need not have the same width, and part of the band may be wide whileanother part may have a different width.

In the example of FIG. 22, each of the second bands 40-1 and 40-2 isformed into a string shape. The entire second bands 40 need not have thesame shape, and part of the bands may have a belt shape while anotherpart may have a string shape or another shape.

In the example of FIG. 23, each of the second bands 40 is formed into awide belt shape. The entire second bands 40 need not have the samewidth, and part of the bands may be wide while another part may have adifferent width.

As shown in FIGS. 20-23, the tightening force can be adjusted by makinga first band 30 or a second band 40 narrower or wider. Using a narrowband or string in an area with small curvature can improve the fit alongthe foot. When the holding properties in transverse directions arerequired, such as in a sport played in a court, using a wide band canimprove the holding properties during the braking phase.

In the examples of FIGS. 24 and 25, the first band 30 is constituted bymultiple string-shaped or thread-shaped members. As the first band 30,bundled multiple yarn bodies spread over the surface of the upper 20. Inthe example of FIG. 24, the multiple yarn bodies pass through the upper20 side of the second band 40-1 at an intersection part F1 and also passthrough the surface side of the second band 40-2 at an intersection partR1. With the first band 30 partially constituted by narrow strings orthreads, more favorable fit along the foot can be achieved.

In the example of FIG. 25, the multiple yarn bodies include yarn bodiesthat pass through the upper 20 side of the second band 40-1 and yarnbodies that pass through the surface side of the second band 40-1 atintersection parts S1 and S2. Each yarn body may alternately passthrough the surface side and the upper side of the multiple second bands40. With a portion constituted by narrow strings or threads intersectingthe second bands 40 in a staggered manner, the tightening force can bedistributed more gradually.

In the examples of FIGS. 26 and 27, each second band 40 is constitutedby multiple string-shaped or thread-shaped members. Each second band 40is constituted by multiple yarn bodies arranged along the surface of theupper 20. In the example of FIG. 26, the multiple yarn bodies passthrough the surface side of the first band 30 at an intersection part S1and also pass through the upper 20 side of the first band 30 at anintersection part S2. With the second bands 40 partially constituted bynarrow strings or threads, more favorable fit along the foot can beachieved.

In the example of FIG. 27, the multiple yarn bodies include yarn bodiesthat pass through the upper 20 side of the first band 30 and yarn bodiesthat pass through the surface side of the first band 30 at theintersection parts S1 and S2. A yarn body passing through the upper 20side and a yarn body passing through the surface side may be alternatelyarranged. With a portion partially constituted by narrow strings orthreads intersecting the first band 30 in a staggered manner, thetransmission efficiency of the tightening force to the first band 30 canbe further improved.

Further modifications of the first band 30 will be described. FIGS. 28and 29 are side views that show modifications of the first band 30.

In the example of FIG. 28, engagement parts 36 b are disposed in thefirst band 30 to engage with the tightening part 60. With the engagementparts 36 b, the tightening force in a longitudinal direction can bestrengthened. Each engagement part 36 b in this example is disposed at aprotruding end of a protruding part 36 that protrudes upward from thefirst band 30. Each engagement part 36 b is an eyelet through which thetightening part 60 (shoelace) passes, and each engagement part 36 b hasa configuration similar to that of the engagement part 44 b. One ormultiple engagement parts 36 b may be provided, and, in this example,the engagement part 36 b is provided at two positions, in front of thesecond band 40-1 and in the rear of the second band 40-2.

Although examples in which each first band 30 is provided to form acurved shape have been described above, a first band 30 may extendlinearly. In the example of FIG. 29, the first band 30 extends linearly.With the first band 30 extending linearly, the tightening force can betransmitted in a longitudinal direction more efficiently. The base end32 of the first band 30 may desirably be fixed to the boundary part Bpat a position other than the vicinity of the MP joints.

There will now be described second and third embodiments of the presentinvention. In the drawings and description of the second and thirdembodiments, like reference characters denote like or correspondingconstituting elements and members in the first embodiment. Repetitivedescription already provided in the first embodiment will be omitted asappropriate, and configurations different from those in the firstembodiment will be intensively described.

Second Embodiment

A configuration of the shoe 100 according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention will be described. FIG. 30 is a side view of theshoe 100 according to the second embodiment and corresponds to FIG. 1.The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a thirdband 50 is provided, and a second band 40-3 is included.

Third Band

The third band 50 is a band-shaped member that includes a third base end52 fixed to the boundary part Bp and that extends rearward from thethird base end 52. The third base end 52 is fixed to the boundary partBp, in an area in the rear of the first base end 32. In the example ofFIG. 30, the third base end 52 is fixed to the boundary part Bp withinthe longitudinal range of the wearing opening 20 b. The third band 50extends rearward from the third base end 52 along the lateral portion 28e of the upper 20 to the first band contact region 24 s in the heel part24 of the upper 20. Accordingly, the third band 50 extends diagonallyupward from the third base end 52 to a position in the rear of thewearing opening 20 b of the upper 20.

In the present embodiment, also on the medial portion 28 j of the upper20, a medial side third band 50 is provided such as to extend from thethird base end 52, which is fixed to the boundary part Bp at a positionin front of the wearing opening 20 b, along the medial portion 28 j tothe first band contact region 24 s. In the following description, thethird band 50 on the lateral portion 28 e may be referred to as alateral side third band. An extension end 54 of the lateral side thirdband 50 is connected with an extension end 54 of the medial side thirdband 50 in the first band contact region 24 s. In other words, the thirdband 50 is a unified band constituted by the lateral side third band 50and the medial side third band 50 connected with each other. Theextension ends 54 of the lateral side third band 50 and the medial sidethird band 50 cover the first band 30 in the first band contact region24 s. In this case, positional displacement of the first band 30 can beprevented.

Among the multiple second bands, the second band 40-3 is disposed at aposition closest to the wearing opening 20 b. In the second band 40-3 ofthe present embodiment, the second base end 42 is fixed to the boundarypart Bp at a position in the rear of the third base end 52, and theleading end 44 reaches a position immediately in front of the wearingopening 20 b. The second band 40-3 intersects the first band 30 at anintersection part F2 and also intersects the third band 50 at anintersection part R2. The second band 40-3 passes through the surfaceside of the first band 30 at the intersection part F2 and presses thefirst band 30. The third band 50 passes through the surface side of thesecond band 40-3 at the intersection part R2 and presses the second band40-3.

The second embodiment provides functions and effects similar to those ofthe first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, the thirdband 50 presses the second band 40-3, which is closest to the wearingopening 20 b, so that the tightening force can be applied around theankle, and effective holding properties can be delivered during runningmovement. Also, since the intersection parts are distributed,concentration of the tightening force can be moderated.

Third Embodiment

A configuration of the shoe 100 according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention will be described. FIG. 31 is a side view of the shoe100 according to the third embodiment and corresponds to FIG. 1. FIG. 32is a schematic plan view of the shoe 100. FIG. 33 is a schematic sideview of the shoe 100 viewed from the medial side of the foot. FIG. 34 isa schematic rear view of the shoe 100. The present embodiment differsfrom the first embodiment in that an auxiliary band 70 is provided, anda portion where intersecting bands are connected with each other at theintersection is included.

The present embodiment includes first bands 30-1 and 30-2, second bands40-1 through 40-7, third bands 50-1 and 50-2, and the auxiliary band 70.These bands intersect in a staggered manner such as to form a mesh.

The auxiliary band 70 is a band-shaped member that extends from aboundary part Gp in the medial portion 28 j to a boundary part Gp in thelateral portion 28 e. In the present embodiment, multiple auxiliarybands 70 are provided which intersect each other to form a meshstructure. The multiple auxiliary bands 70 may be connected with eachother at the intersection parts or need not be connected. In the presentembodiment, the auxiliary bands 70 intersect the second bands 40 atmultiple intersection parts. An auxiliary band 70 and a second band 40may be connected with each other at the intersection part or need not beconnected. An auxiliary band 70 may intersect a first band 30.

The present embodiment includes a pull strap 72 and a cord stopper 62.The cord stopper 62 is provided in the tightening part 60. The pullstrap 12 is provided at the rear end of the wearing opening 20 b of theupper 20. The cord stopper 62 and the pull strap 12 are also applicableto other embodiments.

The third embodiment provides functions and effects similar to those ofthe first embodiment. In addition, in the third embodiment, theauxiliary bands 70 are provided, so that positional imbalance betweenthe first bands 30 and the second bands 40 can be reduced, and theconcentration of the tightening force can be moderated. Also, theauxiliary bands 70 repair appearance imbalance caused by unevendistribution of the bands and prevent impairing of the appearance.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described indetail. Each of the abovementioned embodiments merely describes aspecific example for carrying out the present invention. The embodimentsare not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention,and various design modifications, including changes, addition, anddeletion of constituting elements, may be made to the embodimentswithout departing from the scope of ideas of the invention defined inthe claims. In the aforementioned embodiments, matters to which designmodifications may be made are described with the expression of “of theembodiment”, “in the embodiment”, or the like. However, it is notunallowable to make a design modification to a matter without suchexpression.

Modifications

In the following, modifications will be described. In the drawings anddescription of the modifications, like reference characters denote likeor corresponding constituting elements and members in the embodiments.Repetitive description already provided in the embodiments will beomitted as appropriate, and configurations different from those in thefirst embodiment will be intensively described.

Although the embodiments describe examples in which each band is notfixed onto the surface of the upper 20, the present invention is notlimited thereto. Part of each band may be fixed onto the surface of theupper 20. Also, bands may be partially fixed to each other. For example,first bands or second bands may be partially fixed to each other, or afirst or third band may be partially fixed to a second band.

Although the embodiments describe examples in which the engagement parts44 b and 36 b are eyelets through which the tightening part 60(shoelace) passes, the present invention is not limited thereto. Each ofthe engagement parts 44 b and 36 b has only to have a structure throughwhich the shoelace can be made to pass, and may be a lace hook part,such as a hook, instead of a hole. The hole edge of each of theengagement parts 44 b and 36 b may be reinforced by a reinforcementmember or may be made thicker than the vicinity thereof by means ofbuttonhole stitches, for example.

Although the embodiments describe examples in which the tightening part60 is a single shoelace, the present invention is not limited thereto.The tightening part may include multiple shoelaces. Also, when comfortin wearing is considered important, such as in the case of shoes forchildren or elderly persons, the shoelace may be formed of a materialwith high stretchability. Meanwhile, when the stability is consideredimportant, such as in the case of sports shoes, the shoelace may beformed of a material with low stretchability.

Each of the abovementioned modifications provides functions and effectssimilar to those of the aforementioned embodiments.

Optional combinations of the aforementioned embodiments andmodifications may also be practiced as additional embodiments of thepresent invention. Such an additional embodiment made by combination hasthe effect of each of the combined embodiments and modifications.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention relates to a shoe and is applicable to a shoe.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   10 sole    -   20 upper    -   20 b wearing opening    -   24 heel part    -   24 a rearmost part    -   24 s first band contact region    -   26 reinforcement structure    -   30 first band    -   32 first base end    -   36 b engagement part    -   40 second band    -   42 second base end    -   44 leading end    -   44 b engagement part    -   50 third band    -   52 third base end    -   60 tightening part    -   100 shoe

1. A shoe, comprising: a sole; an upper disposed above the sole andincluding a wearing opening; a first band including a first base endfixed to a boundary part between the upper and the sole, at a positionin front of the wearing opening, the first band extending diagonallyupward from the first base end to a position in the rear of the wearingopening of the upper; a second band including a second base end fixed tothe boundary part, the second band extending frontward from the secondbase end to a position in front of the wearing opening, the second bandbringing the first band into contact with the upper, at a portion wherethe second band intersects the first band; and a tightening partapplying tightening force to the second band to tighten the upper. 2.The shoe according to claim 1, wherein an engagement part is disposed ata leading end of the second band to engage with the tightening part. 3.The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the second band intersects thefirst band at a plurality of intersection positions and includes aportion passing through between the first band and the upper and aportion passing through a side of the first band opposite to the upper.4. The shoe according to claim 3, wherein, at the foremost intersectionposition among the plurality of intersection positions, the second bandpasses through a side of the first band opposite to the upper.
 5. Theshoe according to claim 1, wherein the second base end includes aportion fixed to the boundary part, at a position within a range between35% and 90% inclusive of the entire length of the shoe from the toealong a longitudinal direction.
 6. The shoe according to claim 1,wherein the shoe comprises a plurality of the second bands, and theplurality of second bands are connected with each other at one or morepositions of the base end side, leading end side, or a midwaytherebetween of the relevant second bands.
 7. The shoe according toclaim 1, wherein a second band is branched into a plurality of parts atone or more positions of the base end side, leading end side, or amidway therebetween of the second band.
 8. The shoe according to claim1, wherein the first band is branched into a plurality of parts at oneor more positions of the base end side, leading end side, or a midwaytherebetween of the first band.
 9. The shoe according to claim 1,wherein the first band comes into contact with a first band contactregion provided on the top side of a rearmost part of a heel part in theupper, and in the first band contact region, a reinforcement structurethat is more strengthened than the surrounding regions is provided. 10.The shoe according to claim 9, further comprising a third band includinga third base end fixed to the boundary part at a position in the rear ofthe first base end, the third band extending from the third base end,wherein the third band covers the first band in the first band contactregion.
 11. The shoe according to claim 10, wherein the third bandintersects a second band and brings the second band into contact withthe upper.
 12. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein one of the firstband and a second band includes a portion constituted by a planar memberhaving a predetermined width, and the other of the first band and thesecond band includes a portion constituted by a string-shaped orthread-shaped member that is thinner than the predetermined width. 13.The shoe according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first band ora second band is formed of a material having lower stretchability thanthe material of the upper.